San Diego Chef Named James Beard Award Nominee

SAN DIEGO, CA — A San Diego chef has been named a James Beard Award finalist.

Tara Monsod, executive chef of Asian fusion restaurant Animae, was recognized as a finalist for the Best Chef in California in the 33rd annual James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards.

"I really have no words to truly express how I'm feeling. I'm grateful and honored for the recognition," Monsod said in a statement on Instagram. "I couldn't have done any of this without the support from my incredible team, family, friends and community. This is only the beginning, we're going to keep pushing the culture and industry forward."

Monsod brought more than a decade of kitchen experience to her first executive chef role at Animae in downtown San Diego, according to the restaurant's website. She crafted the menu, which highlights unexpected flavor combinations with Asian, Mediterranean, French and California influences.

Animae is owned by celebrity chef and restaurateur Brian Malarkey.

The James Beard Awards, first presented in 1991, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries and are often regarded as the "Oscars of culinary arts." They recognize a range of experiences, from fine-dining restaurants to casual gems, in 22 categories.

Monsod was named among five nominees in the Best Chef: California category. The other California chefs in competition for the title include Geoff Davis from Burdell in Oakland, Rogelio Garcia from Auro in Calistoga, Lord Maynard Llera from Kuya Lord in Los Angeles, and Buu "Billy" Ngo from Kru in Sacramento.

The winners will be announced June 10 in a ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.